Comfort Zone

As the school year is coming to a close, this will be my last blog post assignment for my English class. I'm debating whether to continue with the blog or possibly start a different blog that I can keep going better. It's been a good experience for me, not only as a writer, but as a person. Writing about dogs and having to think about them a little more than I normally would has strengthened my relationship with my dog. I spend more time with him than I was before blogging, and I have a different perspective on (wo)man's best friend.

I found Cosmo napping on my blanket . . .

These past seven or eight months have been nothing but change, and it's all been a benefit for me. From starting mountain biking and snowboarding, to moving and going to a new school, it's pushed me out of my comfort zone more times than not. This blog including. I really struggled when picking the topic to blog about. I thought about blogging about my life and all of the changes occurring, learning to snowboard and/or mountain bike, my love for music, and about dozen other ideas. But when it came down to it, I knew that I had a passion for dogs and that even though it would be difficult for me, I would find joy in writing every week or so about these furry creatures.

Because of all of the good that has come out of me going outside of my comfort zone, I encourage you to do the same. Whether its getting off the couch and exercising, talking to new people, trying new food, or facing your fears, I can promise you that you will benefit from new experiences. From week to week, it became more and more challenging to talk about dogs because I have such general knowledge on them. Thinking this would be an easy assignment, I realized that I actually had to use my brain a little to think about what I was writing ;). But really, from post to post, I wrote from my own thoughts and experience which is something I usually don't get to do for school. It was a pretty neat opportunity.

Selfie of enjoying the FINALLY warm weather.

Anyways, thanks for reading my blog. I hope you've enjoyed hearing about silly Cosmo that I love so much and my opinions on dogs. Get outside, ideally with your best friend (dog), and enjoy the wonderful world we live in. Goodbye for now!

Just Smile a Little

As I've continued this blog for my English assignment, I've realized that it is difficult to come up with twenty or so different ideas focused around dogs. Lately I've been thinking about life, as one does, and I've decided to incorporate some of those thoughts into my blog.

In life, people strive for perfect happiness rather than being content with the circumstances brought upon them. I'm not sure why humans have this desire for perfection. When I look at my dog, no matter what's going on, he's smiling from ear to ear. He gets excited over small things like butt rubs or meeting new people. Now dogs aren't quite at the same intelligence level as humans, and they don't really ever think of having a different life. But why can't all humans just enjoy the little things in life like dogs do? The small things like sitting outside on a quiet, warm day petting my dog. I think the whole human race would be a lot more pleasant if we were to surround ourselves with those who make us happy. For me, that would be my dog. Spending some time outdoors with Cosmo improves my mood by 1000%. Lately I've just been trying to be happy and positive as often as I can. Even in times when I'm riding the school bus, I listen to my music and watch the beautiful mountain scenery flash past me and I enjoy life. Or when people complain about having to go to school, although I'd rather be doing something more fun, I'm grateful that I'm allowed an education so easily compared to a lot of the world.

Photo Credit: Picture Quotes

Another aspect of life that we can take from dogs is judgement. Being in the ninth grade, judgement is a big part of my life. As I moved recently for the first time in my life, not knowing anyone has given me the great experience of realizing I can't judge anyone before I get to know them. I find that this is one of the reasons humans enjoy dogs so much. No matter who you are, if you love your dog, they will love you. Any dog I see is happy for me to pet them while they sniff the smells on my clothes. A dog will be friendly and loving towards you until you give them a reason not to. I wish humans reacted the same way to one another. John Grogan, in his book Marley & Me, said, "A dog has no use for fancy cars, big homes, or designer clothes. A water log stick will do just fine. A dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give him your heart and he'll give you his. How many people can you say that about? How many people can make you feel rare and pure and special? How many people can make you feel extraordinary?" Whether I'm reading the book or watching the movie, this quotes, without a doubt, always brings me to tears. I'm so thankful for my dog. He really is the best friend I could ever have. I wouldn't be the same person without him. He knows me for who I am and loves me still.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

This all sounds rather silly. Dogs are, to some people, loud, dirty, mindless animals that slobber and make messes. But there's this deep connection you can have with your dog. One that some people just won't understand. Never once can you have a verbal conversation with your dog (or at least one that they will understand ;) ), yet between your dog and you, you know each other so well. My dog and I understand one another- we love each other. Yet we've never spoken to each other. It's crazy, actually. We can sit next to one another in utter silence being the happiest friends on Earth. Imagine if humans would save their words only for when they are needed. People blabber on and on wasting their words trying to become loved and accepted, when all you need to do is find a connection with someone. I find my favorite friends are the ones I can have meaningful conversations with, but I can also sit and do nothing with them and still find happiness everywhere I look.

So there's a slice of a fifteen-year-old's mediocre thoughts on life.

Hairy Hair

Hair. It's everywhere. It won't go away. I'm afraid it never will go away. Dog hair, that is.

Cosmo has a serious problem with shedding. Sure, we could probably brush him more and vacuum more often to reduce the amount of hair around, but there's just not enough time in the day! There's more important things to do with my life! But I'm dead serious- this hair will always haunt me. When I go somewhere in public, like school, my clothes are always coated in dog hair. When I'm on vacation I find dog hair. When Cosmo sleeps on bed I have to wash my sheets because of all of the hair. Even if I just sit on the floor or on a couch, my butt and back becomes entirely white with dog hair! It's a serious problem.

As you can probably tell, neither me or my family likes Cosmo's hair. My mom thinks we should get a Labradoodle for our next dog because that way the dog will have characteristics of a lab, but a lot less shedding! Although my friend who owns a Labradoodle just had her dog shaved because they hadn't been brushing her hair and it became matter....

Photo Credit: Candi Kellmer

When we empty the vacuum, it's just fools of dirt and dog hair. Cosmo's hair even comes out in chunks!! It's crazy!! My friend Gracie and I once filled a jar full of his hair chunks that were falling out! Everywhere I go, his hair goes... I guess there's just not much anyone can do about it. There's not a ton of things about him that annoys me, but his hair is definitely one of them. Along with his snoring and twitching he's doing right now... Better get to bed! Although this was more of a ranting post... I'd like your guys' opinion on the best way to keep order with dog hair!

The Varsity Pets

Now I often joke about Cosmo's weight talking about how fat he is. But in all honesty, it's a problem, and it's not his fault. As a family, we were not very good dog owners when we were raising Cosmo, and we never got him enough exercise. We've seen the outcome from that, and although Cosmo is such a happy dog, we know he's not healthy. At this point in his life, there's not a ton we can do to get him to better health, although we'll still try our best.

America today does not recognize that we are obese among ourselves, but we are also influencing the obesity in dogs. A friend of my parents is trying to bring this to people's attention and solve the problem with his company he started. This company, Varsity Pets, gives a few different options to help keep your dogs in shape or help them get to that stage.

The main product the company has to offer is The Varsity Ball. The Varsity Ball is indestructible- guaranteed! Dogs go through so many toys that are said to be indestructible but get torn apart in seconds when they get ahold of it. There have been thousands sold, and not a single one has been busted! The other nice thing about this toy is that it is fun for the dog, but you are not needed for the dog to play with it. Plus there's sizes for smaller dogs! They're even made in the USA.

How The Varsity Ball works

Drool Fuel! Drool Fuel is a supplement for dogs that builds lean muscle, fights dehydration, burns fat, and will help your furry friend become faster, stronger, and live longer. There is more information on the supplement and why it is beneficial for dogs of all kinds here.

The Drool Fuel packets!

A new book coming out this summer, "Fit Dogs Live Forever" by the found of Varsity Pets Daniel Schulof, discusses the canine obesity epidemic that is occurring- a great read to be more informed on how you can give your dog the best life they can have and how obesity effects dogs so greatly.

"Fit Dogs Live Forever" by Daniel Schulof

Their new app that will be available this summer as well, Kibblr, will enable you to record information about your dog. You fill out your dog's profile page and Kibblr will tell you the actual amount of food your dog needs. You will be able to track your dog's weight loss and receive fitness tips! You can also read The Optimal Blog to read up on dog health.

The Kibblr app coming soon!

With all of these products, we can end the obesity epidemic upon canines and help dogs receive their full potential in life by living long and healthy. Support Varsity Pets and go have fun with your dog!

Photo Credit for all pictures: Varsity Pets

life is good

This post is more of an update on Cosmo than anything else. I may sound repetitive to previous posts, but not a lot has been happening with Cosmo; it's been a pretty typical week.

Well, the weather is becoming warmer and warmer every day, which means the trails are drying up! I was able to finally hit the trails on my mountain bike! Even though it is supposed to be colder and possibly Sunday, the warmer weather is still upon us. I've even been able to sleep with my windows open and wake up to the chirping birds and squeaking squirrels. This means it is time to really get Cosmo into shape! I was able to take him on three walks this week- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Although he struggles as we pass by dogs happily sprinting through the fields off to the side of the trails, I know Cosmo definitely enjoys being out of the house sniffing what he can. It's definitely a peaceful time for me during my hectic school week to just relax and enjoy life outside with my dog. Anyhow, I think he's gradually picking up his walking pace and building his endurance.

Cosmo and I are both not in the best shape we could be, so I think if I dedicate time to myself and to Cosmo, him and I will be happier by this time next year. Living in Park City, I find it much more enjoyable and motivating to get your exercise in. Instead of running, walking, or biking through a neighborhood with traffic and pollution, there's so many trails throughout the mountain that you can enjoy yourself and the fresh air while still getting a work out in. Everyone is so much friendlier than typical cities where people are not as active. The best part, is that I swear every single person living in Park City owns at least one dog- it's so awesome. I love where I live.

Lately, Cosmo has been such a pain to have sleep on my bed. Like I've mentioned previously, he gets so annoying in the middle of the night and wakes me up. But I feel so sad for him when no one wants him in their room at night and lays out in the hall all alone, so I usually give in and let him sleep on my bed. When I help him up onto my bed, he likes to find a spot to sleep in the dead center. IT'S RIDICULOUS. I saw this picture and thought it went perfectly with my scenario.

Photo Credits: Cafe Press

I'm excited to finally just take a break and explore Park City a bit over this spring break- maybe I'll find an easy hike to take Cosmo on. But for now, life is great. Cosmo is still as happy as ever, spring is more or less here, and I get a week off from school. Enjoy the warm weather approaching- take advantage of it by getting outside with your wet-nosed friends!

Summer Fever

Living in Utah, I get to experience all four seasons, and although spastic at times, I love it. Every day creates a new adventure according to the temperature and precipitation. But as much as I love winter and spring, I am dying for summer. It is practically April, and it is snowing right now. I've lived in Utah my whole life, so I've even seen snowfall in July, but I just want the snow to go away, the grass to grow, and the weather to become warm. The only reason I wish for it to be warmer is so that I can actually do stuff! Sure, skiing and snowboarding is great, but I haven't even been able to hit the slopes very often because of my school schedule, and I can't do it with Cosmo! I love waking up in the summer with the sun just barely entering the sky, a full night of rest, and no worries on my mind- ready for what the day will bring me. But with school and cold weather, none of that is possible except for an occasional Saturday or Sunday. If it doesn't stop snowing, I can't take Cosmo on walks to get him into shape without him being miserable and getting too cold, and I won't be able to have my exploring buddy when I have summer adventures.

The next few days... Drat!

I miss when Cosmo could go on long backpacking trips with my family and me; I knew that's where he was truly happy, and so was I. Being with my dog in the mountains far away from any care in the world is all I want in life right now. Whether we would be hiking, relaxing by the lake, exploring the area, cooking food over the fire, or sleeping in our tent, Cosmo and I would always have a grand time out in the wilderness. The next dog that I get, I will be sure to keep in great shape so that he can adventure and explore with me at any given moment until he is much older than Cosmo. I will always cherish the blissful moments I've had with Cosmo in the great outdoors, and I hope we can create a few more before he is too old to do so.

Best Friend Responsibilities

I tend to talk about Cosmo sleeping a lot, but that's one of the few talents, haha. In one of my first blogs, I talked about how he slept on his own mattress in my room because I didn't have real furniture yet. Well, now I have a new, large bed that I've decided to let him share it with me at night. Now, because my bed is taller than any of my past beds, he can't jump on to it by himself.

The process in which I have to help him is rather exhausting. I have to make sure my blankets and pillows are all in the right place, because there's no moving them once Cosmo is on my bed. In order to get him on my bed, I have to first lift the front of his body up so that his front paws are on my bed and he is nearly standing. Then I have to run behind him and lift the rear of his body up on to the bed while he simultaneously jumps to the best of his ability. After that, I have to jump on to "my side" of the bed so that he leaves enough room for me to sleep- once he lays down, it's pretty darn hard to make him move!

A lab sleeping similarly to Cosmo. Photo Credits: VetLIVE

Normally, Cosmo and I sleep like babies at night. But lately, he's been waking me up at all times of night for some reason. I'll wake up to him panting heavily, most likely because it has gotten too hot in the night for him. It's extremely annoying, so I'll turn on my lamp so he can see his surroundings as I try to shove him off of my bed. But as I mentioned before, it's difficult to move him once he is laying down. Usually he just calms back down. If he falls asleep while I'm finishing up my homework, by the time I'm trying to fall asleep, he'll be in a deep sleep and be snoring, twitching, and whimpering through his dreams. I usually try to make him stop long enough for me to fall asleep by shaking him with my foot until he gains conscious. I'll also awake to him sneezing multiple times, or to his notorious sounds-like-he-is-about-to-puke-but-never-does gag. By the time I wake up between 5:45 and 6:15, he is dying to get out of my room so that he can either get breakfast or be let outside. He can be a real pain in the ass sometimes.

Even though he can be bothersome, it's worth it to know he's happily lying down next to me. Not only that, but he helps me when I'm stressed by simply being next to my side. Sometimes if I'm worried or just having a crapy night, I'll lay beside him and pet him for a while in silence just to relieve my stress. But that's what best friends are for, right? To be there for one another and help each other.

Dog? Wolf? Rat?

For loving dogs so damn much, I'm kind of surprised in myself that I don't know more than the basic types of dogs. Part of that may be that I have one of, if not the most, common domestic dog. I think the main reason is just that I've never needed to know different breeds of dogs. So, if you're like me, and you're looking for a new dog, you should probably take this quiz on what general type of dog would be best for you! I guess I'm a 95% match for an English Setter . . .

Personally, I am a large-dog person. Sure, small puppies are fine, as long as they grow up to be larger dogs. Due to a bad experience with a next door neighbor who had a Yorkshire Terrier, my family has a bad taste in our moths when it comes to small dogs; my dad calls them "rat-dogs". To be honest, even though I love almost all dogs, smaller dogs are pretty darn weird. Dogs came from wolves, and to think that I wolf could be related to a Yorkshire Terrier or Chihuahua baffles me.

What is thought to be the dog history tree. Photo Credit: wisdom panel.com

Don't get me wrong, I love dogs more than anything. But they are very strange animals. We specifically breed different kinds of dogs together to get the exact one that we want. We're basically creating our own subspecies of dogs. In my biology class, we are just getting into the subject of evolution and the theory of natural selection. Everything that has happened with wolves and domesticated dogs does not follow either of these methods. The domestication and creation of dogs have been completely caused by men over a somewhat rather short period of time. Nature has no part in this process. It's very odd that we basically created our own species. Even though it's a bizarre topic that I'm not sure how to feel about, I'm so thankful there are dogs today. I'm not really sure where I would be without the comfort and love of my dog.

It's Not A Catwalk

As I've mentioned time and time again, Cosmo is a very lazy, fat dog. In order to somewhat help this, when I'm not too busy, I usually try and take him on a little walk. The past few months have been way too cold for either of us to even enjoy a walk. But as of this week, it's been gradually warming up, partially from daylight savings. So this week I took Cosmo on three different walks. The first two, on Sunday and Tuesday, I just took him to the small, neighborhood lake. He struggles walking there, but then I let him off his leash to explore while I relax and spend some time to myself. But yesterday, Thursday, I took him somewhere different. There are many, many trails that run around where I live, so I took one that I knew would have at least half of the snow melted. Because we weren't in the street most of the time, I let Cosmo off his leash.

A majority of the trail system in my city. So many places to explore! Photo credits: mountaintrails.org

There weren't many people out at this time, so it was good for him to explore and smell everything. Although he got muddy and I had to try and wash him off with snow, I think he enjoyed going somewhere new and exciting. He's actually been doing a lot better on walks than he was in the summer/fall. I think that mainly has to do with the fact that he's been having to go up and down the stairs constantly every day which increases his muscle and bone strength. Before, he would be out of breath the whole time and stopping as often as he could, trying his hardest for me to take him home. But now, although he breathes heavily, he does a lot better, and he throws in occasional jogs that last a few seconds (better than none at all). I'm hoping by the time summer's here, Cosmo can either go on longer walks with me, or start hiking again! I think it's a great to walk your dogs. Not only is it great health for both of you, but it is great bonding time. And, living in the mountains where there's endless amounts of trails, you get to explore new places. It's a great way to start your morning if you have the time, or to take a break from your chaotic activities during the middle of the day. As the temperature starts warming up, get out in the sun and take your dog on a walk! From the looks of things, there shouldn't be too much snow holding Cosmo and I back anymore.

The weather forecast for the next few days . . . Pretty warm!

Healthy = Happy

When a dog is healthy, it is happy. We tend to forget about the health of our furry friends because it seems impossible that their health would be anything but perfect. Nonetheless, dogs cannot maintain their own health and need help from their loving owners. Here are some personal tips on keeping your dog as healthy and happy as they can be from my own experiences with Cosmo.

Keep you dog active! One of my family's biggest regrets while raising Cosmo was not exercising him. Now he is too old and weak to do much. The main reason that we neglected keeping him actively fit was because our family's schedule was so busy that we didn't make time for him. But all it takes is waking up half an hour earlier or taking a break during work or homework and taking your dog on a walk. Or even better, take him with you when you do your own exercise such as running, biking, hiking, etc. On weekends, maybe have more fun with your dog and take it to a dog park! It is in a dog's nature to run around and use its energy, so make sure you provide that for them. It will also help with any further issues such as being overweight, heart disease risks, and diabetes.

Photo Credits: ww.austinpetsalive.org

Another great thing to watch in your dog's life is his food. You may think dog food is all the same- brown crap mushed together. But really, there's so many factors that play a roll in what kind of food your dog should consume. There are different types of dog food for the size and age of your dog, the types of ingredients you want them eating, and their own personal preference. Personally, my family simply feeds Cosmo IAMS dog food. They are one of the largest brands of dog food, so maybe they're not exactly the healthiest, but they do a pretty good job and have a wide variety of food for all sorts of dogs- even cats! It is important to figure out what type of food your dog needs, what you want to be feeding your dog, and how many times a day you need to feed your furry friend.

The last health issue I'll touch base on today is regular check ups to the veterinarian's office. Your dog's veterinarian acts as his/her doctor, dentist, and everything in between. This means it is crucial that your dog is checked up regularly- at least once a year; they can notice things about your dog that you do not. Veterinarians aren't only good for check ups, but they're also convenient in times of emergency or concern. They will know what is best for your dog! When Cosmo had a tumor right near his eye, and these past few months when he's had a sore on his paw, I'm so glad that we've had a trustworthy veterinarian to helps us through it all.

I'll possibly do another blog about health tips in the future so that your dog can get the most out of life and they keep wagging their tails!

A Little Fun Never Hurt Anyone

One of the best things about dogs is that when they're around, it's always a good time! I can't even remember all of the hilarious things that have happened with Cosmo. Some of the memories I have of him are just flat out ridiculous!

For instance, about three or four years ago, my friend and I noticed that chunks of Cosmo's hair were falling out like crazy. So for some reason, she suggested that we stuff a jar full of his hair. We both stupidly agreed it was a great idea, and so we did it. I'm not even really sure why! But it was sitting in the depths of my closet up until August when I was moving. So weird!

Also, about the same time, with a friend, I painted Cosmo's toenails! Yes, I understand that Cosmo is a boy. We painted each paw a different neon color- it was quite hilarious! We gave him treats periodically so that he would sit still for us, and then we used a blow dryer to dry his nails quicker. The polish didn't quite come off for about six months- and then I repeated the process with another friend. After that, my parents band painting his nails . . .

A few years back when I documented Cosmo's first manicure.

This might make me sound like even more of a crazy dog lady, but sometimes I play hide and seek with Cosmo when we're home alone. It was easier with my old house because it was bigger and more open, making it easier for Cosmo to move around the house. I would sit him down and have him "stay", then quickly tip toe to my hiding place. I would then lightly call Cosmo's name so that he could hear me, but not know where I was. He would come running around the house searching for me. It was pretty funny when he found me and got all excited!

There are plenty of other crazy memories I have with Cosmo, but these ones are, I guess, the weirdest ones. They most definitely stand out!

Side note: I was getting Cosmo a treat on Sunday, and my dad encouraged me to eat one of them. So I did. But no need to worry, it wasn't bad and contains all natural, "human-food" ingredients. They're actually really great for your furry animals!

Simplistic Thoughts

Have you ever wondered what dogs think about? Obviously dogs aren't the smartest mammals out there, but they have to have some thoughts, right? Well I've thought about this, and I made another list, but this time of what I think Cosmo thinks as a normal Saturday goes on.

Morning:

• Good morning, family! I need food! Come on! I need food! I need to pee! I need water! I need food!
• Oh, thank you for the food! Now let me outside so I can pee! Now get me water!
• Whoa, you're eating food too? Can I have some? No? Please? Come on, you know you love me! Is that bacon? Give me some! Please!
• Thank you so much! I inhaled it and didn't taste anything, but I enjoyed it very much!
• Oh, you're relaxing now? Give me attention. Pet me. Rub my stomach. Rub my ears. You know you love me. I love you.

Afternoon:

• Where are you going? Can I come along? Why are you leaving? No, stay!
• I have the whole house to myself. I guess I'll just sleep.
• What was that? Oh, nothing. Sleep.
• Whoa, when did you guys come home?
• Bark! Who's here? No one? Oh okay . . . I feel embarrassed.
• Food time? Please? No? Well at least get me water please!
• I need to pee! Whoops, I'm old, and I can't hold in my pee so I just peed all over the house.

Evening:

• Food time! Yay!!! Don't bother me!
• Now let me pee! I need to go! Hurry!
• Let me in, it's cold! I need water now! Can I have a treat?! I'll just pant in your face until you figure out what I need!
• Okay, I'll sleep some more now while you guys settle down for the evening.
• Visiters? Sweet! Let me smell your crotch please! Now butt please. Okay, I guess your hands will do.
• Come on, I'm tired! Let's go to bed.
• What? You're letting me on your bed! Oh my god! This amazing! I'll just take the whole bed so that you have to sleep in an awkward position!
• *dreaming* Chase the cat! Bark! Run! *twitches in sleep*
• *wakes up* What. Where am I. Hello. It's dark. Sleep.

Yeah. So basically, as you can see, Cosmo mostly thinks about food, water, peeing, treats, petting, and sleep. I almost wish my life was this easy... This makes me appreciate how someone so dumb (no offense Cosmo) can be so damn happy all of the time and make everyone around him happy. You don't have to be the smartest person to be happy. Do you want know EXACTLY what your dog is thinking? Check this out, it's crazy!

Photo Credits: Bill Kerr

Why Dogs?

Can you relate to a side? Photo Credits: Mind Jet

Dogs are what helps me remember the good in the world. Sure, cats are okay. There are many people who love cats as I do dogs. But I would get a dog over cat any day. Here are ten reasons why.

1. Dogs are always there for you. Dogs always want to be with you, unlike most cats. They typically don't want to be alone if you're around.
2. Dogs love their masters. Cats may love their masters as well, but normally they expect their owner to worship them, where dogs worship their owner.
3. Dogs are playable. I understand that some people may not want a hyper-active animal in their house. Some people like lazy cats. But for me, even though my dog is too old for it now, I love being able to take dogs on walks and run around with them.
4. Dogs are happy. Sure, cats are happy. But they definitely don't express it in the same way that dogs do.
5. Dogs are adventurous. Have you ever met a dog that doesn't sniff everything in sight? I sure haven't. Dogs are curious and always looking for adventure. Very similar to myself.
6. Dogs are low maintenance. All a dog really needs is food, water, some outdoors time, and some loving from their master.
7. Dogs fit my personality. If I were to describe a cat as a person, they would be a spoiled-rotten teenage girl. Whereas a dog would be more of a nature-loving hippie. I don't know about you, but I think I'd rather hang out with a nature-loving hippie than a spoiled-rotten teenage girl . . .
8. Dogs are transportable. You can throw your dog in the back of your car and take them on a road trip. You can take your dog hiking, camping, fishing, or backpacking. You can even fly your dog. Although you COULD do all of that with a cat, you would have to have a lot of determination . . .
9. Dogs understand emotion. I'm pretty sure all of you dog-owners out there know what I'm talking about. When I'm happy, my dog knows and he becomes even happier than he was. When I'm sad, my dog sits next to me and gives me slobbery kisses. And when I'm upset, my dog can help me calm down. It's better than therapy.
10. Dogs make you a happier, more energetic person. The only way I know to interact with a cat is to simply sit and pet it for hours on end. With a dog, there are so many things you can do with it (everything above). Also, being around happier people and getting more exercise effects how you feel. Dogs help you with both.

Want some more reasons to love dogs? Check this website out!

Update on Cosmo: He is wearing a softer cone that was lent to us now, but he's running into more things because the cone is not clear. He's healing quickly and the cone should be off of him soon.

Came home today to find Cosmo asleep- as usual.

Senior Moments

I have mentioned time after time about how sudden Cosmo has become a senior citizen in the dog world. I feel like a lot of it had to do with my family moving and him adjusting to this new life. He's been a much different, sleepier dog. Lately, his old side has really been showing. For the past twelve years about, Cosmo has greeted us whenever we came home. He could hear the door bell, a knock on the door, the door being opened, and the garage door going up. He use to look out the windows at the front of our house and wait for us to come home. Now, I come home to a dog that is fast asleep and has little knowledge of anything that is taking place. Just today, I came home from school to empty house. Occasionally Cosmo will be in the front room, so he at least sees me walk in the door. Or I will hear his loud, obnoxious, lovable snoring. But today, I couldn't hear a sound. I looked through all of the house, and of course he was lying on the couch which we have always taught him not to do- a relative's couch at that. Once I wake up him from my presence, it takes him a minute to comprehend that I'm now home, which means he should be excited to see me. But he embarrassingly smiles it off and keeps wagging his tail.

Getting some warm sun during the cold winter.

You can really tell that his hearing is going. Not only from him not being able to hear us come home, but he can't even hear us throughout the house most of the time. Sometimes when he's laying in the hallway, or even in my room, I accidentally scare him because he won't hear me walk by but suddenly see a figure moving. Also, sometimes I think he randomly starts howling because he wants us to think he can still hear stuff that we cannot. He's not fooling anyone. He's also so needy all of the time. My family rotates in petting him for about an hour each day, and he's still all up in our faces. He's just always craving love and attention. But he's cute, so it's okay.

Selfie life.

Cosmo has grown up with me, and I know he is about twelve years old. But I've always heard different ways to calculate "human years" into "dog years". So according to Pedigree, Cosmo is about eighty-nine years old! Geez! He's becoming an older dog, but I'm not sure he become any wiser.

Miserable Moments

Today, Cosmo had to get surgery on his poor little paw. As you may remember, he got a sore on his paw in November. We thought it was all healed, but Cosmo got a check up at the vets last week, and turns out his paw is acting up. This past week he had to wear a cone, which made him getting around the house even harder. Although it was funny at times, it was also pretty dismal to see him so incapable.

He went into the vet yesterday, and they said he had to have surgery. So today he went in, and to be honest, I can't tell if he's loopy from being drugged, or if he's just being himself. When I came home and saw his bandaged, I felt so sympathetic, so I sat with him for some time, just thinking. Here is a picture of his stylish bandage.

Here is his bandage.

He also has to wear this over his bandage when he goes outside because of the wet snow.

The cover.

So he has to take pills for the next few weeks, and he hates taking pills. We practically have to force it down his throat. I hate when he has to go through something like this.

About four years ago, Cosmo had a tumor on the side of his eye. He had to wear a cone of shame then, and now his stitches that make his eye look weird and squinted. I cried when I saw him because I was younger, and I started tearing up when I saw him today. I hate this; I hope he heals fast. Everyone wants a happy dog!

Reminiscing Through the Past

Now that the new year has begun and 2014 is here, I was thinking back on some memories I've made with my dog over the years. Like I've said before, he's been in my life for as long as I can remember, so we've been through thick and thin together. I'll share just a few highlights of these past 12 years!

I vaguely remember the day we got Cosmo. I remember all of the adorable puppies chasing each other outside on the farm. I'm pretty sure I joined in on the fun. My brother picked Cosmo because he had a green collar on- his favorite color. The whole car ride home, he was running around the car exploring his new family.  The only thing I remember after that is him running up and down the hallways of our house while we decided what to name him. He was our new addition to the family, and that is when my love for dogs grew tremendously.

There are a few sliver of events that I remember about Cosmo between 2003 and about 2006. I remember the general things he did as a puppy such as chewing up blankets and pillows, running around the yard maniacally, and bathing me in his saliva. But I don't remember specific occurrences as well. I remember after we moved out of our house around 2004, we had to rent a house for about six months while our new house was being built. I don't remember doing many things outside during that time, but that winter we played with Cosmo in the snow so much! That's was my favorite memory of renting the house.

I think between 2006 and 2009. I remember going on many hikes and a couple backpacking trips with my family. We took Cosmo along most every time! He loved it. My family would be so amused when he would find a squirrel and his instincts would reveal. I really liked when he'd cuddle with my brother and I in our tent at night. He was still able to go even about two years ago- we just had to make sure we put booties on his paws so that they wouldn't get too sore!

Fishing with Cosmo during our backpacking trip in 2009.

Everyone my family knows, knows Cosmo. When we host parties, you can always count on him to be snooping around for scraps of food. Or whenever my friends come over, he comes on adventures with us. Even now when he can't do as much, he stills participates in sleepovers by sleeping next to me, following us around the house, and letting us dress him up.

About eight months ago while Cosmo rocked a Grateful Dead tee.

These are just a few recollections I have of Cosmo, and contain little detail, but they are the ones that stand out to me more than others. I will cherish these years with him for the rest of my life. In order for friends and family to be updated with Cosmo, I made a silly Instagram account for him! I'm not sure what my life would be if we hadn't gotten a him, but all I know is that life is better when traveled with a dog.

Cosmo, about four months ago, giving up on his walk. We had only passed two houses so far.